Ismail Abdulazeez Mantu Reporting
The Justice Wilfred Kpochi-led three-member Edo State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal today admitted additional evidence presented by a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) witness, who serves as a Ward Collation Agent for Egor Local Government Area.
The evidence highlights alleged irregularities in the collation of votes during the September 21 governorship election.
Testifying on petition number EPT/ED/GOV/02/2024, the witness revealed that a comprehensive review of Forms EC8A, EC8B, EC8C, and EC8D, alongside Certified True Copies (CTC) from the INEC Results Viewing Portal (IREV), showed that officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) incorrectly added 5,530 votes to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Egor LGA.
The discrepancies, according to the witness, affected 23 polling units in Egor LGA. During cross-examination by counsels for the first, second, and third respondents, the witness maintained his position, stating that he personally examined and tabulated the disputed results in his sworn statement.
“The total overstatement for APC is 5,530 votes, which should be deducted from their declared total by INEC,” the witness asserted confidently.
He further accused INEC of violating the Electoral Act 2022 and the manual governing the conduct of governorship elections in Nigeria by failing to record the serial numbers of result sheets, ballot papers, and BVAS machines in six polling units in Egor LGA.
The revelations could significantly impact the outcome of the ongoing tribunal proceedings, which have drawn intense public and political attention.
The tribunal has adjourned for further hearings, with more witnesses from the PDP expected to testify in the coming days.
Stay tuned to Truth Live News for updates on the tribunal proceedings.